Do You Agree with this Story? Can you blame the Italian Mayor? If this were your town, how would you deal with this issue?

Interesting Story/ Interesting thoughts…

Original Report/The Gaurdien

Forte dei Marmi – the traditional summer retreat for Italian captains of industry, writers and film stars – is changing the law to try to stop locals fleeing because of house prices driven out of control by incoming Russian millionaires. The town’s combative mayor, Umberto Buratti, is reserving space next to luxury villas with sea views for new homes that will only be sold to locally-born buyers or long-term residents. Other Italian resorts with similar problems will monitor the experiment with interest.

“We want to safeguard the character of the town instead of seeing it turn into a place with no ties, as anonymous as a motorway service station,” Buratti said.

“Not everyone here is rich or Russian,” added local councillor Michele Molino. “You look at the designer shops round here and we could be in London.”

Despite the economic crisis that has kept some smart Muscovites at home, local estate agents expect up to 500 Russian families to descend this summer, following in the footsteps of super-rich visitors such as Roman Abramovich and splashing out up to €100,000 at a time to rent villas for the season – albeit a snip compared with the €20m reportedly paid out to buy the biggest villas nestling behind bougainvilleas between the broad beaches and Apuan Alps.

“Five million is the norm now, but if you go just a few miles inland prices drop by two thirds, which is where the locals have disappeared to,” said a local estate agent, Umberto Giannecchini.

On the seafront, Humvees and Ferraris descend on beach clubs like Twiga, where €1,000 will reserve a table in the VIP section and Russians spend up to €15,000 on a night out.

It is all a far cry from Forte dei Marmi’s 16th-century origins, when Michelangelo built a road from quarries inland to load marble on to waiting ships. The artistic tradition continued into the 20th century with the arrival of Thomas Mann, Aldous Huxley, Giacomo Puccini and Henry Moore, followed by industrial dynasties such as the Agnellis and the Morattis.

“Despite their wealth, the Italians here have always loved elegant simplicity and understatement,” said hotelier Paolo Corchia, pointing to the tradition of CEOs and aristocrats shopping by bicycle at the town’s family-run shops. Where those stores once proliferated, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Miu Miu – with a shop window full of coyote fur stoles – now draw in the Russians.

The Milanese agree with the locals’ revolt. “I want to bring the local artisans back in the center,” said Milly Moratti, wife of Inter Milan chairman Massimo, “the fabulous tailors and focaccia bread sellers I remember as a child that have been almost completely replaced by designer stores.”

Holding out on Forte dei Marmi’s main square is Vale, the bakery which has turned out focaccia since 1924. “We are thinking of selling up since our traditional clientele is dying out and the Russians don’t like focaccia,” said the owner, Daniela Nardine, though the mayor’s intervention may yet change her mind.

Born and bred in Forte dei Marmi and the son of a tailor, Mayor Buratti said he is seeking to preserve a local culture handed down from the fierce tribes who defied the Roman empire and the Roman slaves who later settled, leaving traces of their accent in the local dialect. But he is not getting too misty eyed. “The locals were the first to profit from the rising house prices by selling up and buying houses in the hinterland,” he said. “That is why there will be a ban on selling the new houses for 20 years.”

If he can defend local stock from extinction, Buratti is happy for some of the Russians to stay, generously conceding that the visitors from the east have become more refined over the years.

“They have come a long way from the early 90s, when they would order the most expensive Brunello red on the menu then dilute it with water,” he said. Locals recount how one oligarch even bought a bicycle and hired an Italian cycling champ to teach him to ride it.

But at the Piero beach club, a family-run bastion of old-fashioned wooden huts and blue-blooded sunbathers, the Russians are still few and far between. “Visitors here must understand you don’t need to show off,” said manager Roberto Santini. “The Russians come in, look around, wonder why we are a landmark, then leave.”

As lifeguard Lionello Sacchelli watched over bathers including a former Italian finance minister and a football star, he recalled his favorite bather, Florentine aristocrat Anna Corsini, who was taking dips until she died last year at 98. “She was exquisite,” he said. “She didn’t care about designer labels and always said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”

Source:  Tom Kington in Forte dei Marmi/Guardian News and Media Limited 2010

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Hotel Meninas, Madrid

Set in the Opera House area, one of the best locales for sightseeing in Madrid, is the boutique four-star Hotel Meninas.  Its central location makes for a great base camp while exploring one of Spain’s most historical city.

The 19th century building is a protected landmark. It’s exterior is quintessential Madrid, yet its interior boasts the most modern amenities and contemporary style. Each guest room is designed in contemporary flair. I was hosted in room 504- the 5th floor being the top floor of the hotel.

Each of the rooms are designed to make you feel at home, complete with flat-screen satellite TV, a DVD player, room safe, and stocked mini-bar. I’m a big “bathroom inspector”, and was happy to find a beautiful contemporary marble bathroom with all the “fixins”.

In this 37 room hotel there are 8 junior suites, and “family” rooms that are spacious enough to house four people, non-smoking rooms, and also rooms for the disabled, which in Europe is hard to come by. There is also a spa and roof top pool with views of the city.

Being a techno-geek, with the need to constantly be connected, and what I loved is the free internet access in the rooms, and Wifi in the lobby area.  Another amenity on the house!

There is a restaurant in the old wine cellar called the Meninas Restaruant. They also serve a continental breakfast for $15.00 Euro.

I stepped outside the hotel’s doors- made a right then a quick left into the east square- Plaza de Oriente. Within a few blocks squared, choose from Italian, Argentinean, Tapas bars, Sushi, outdoor cafes, all with in walking distance of the Meninas.

Hotel Meninas

Campomanes 7

28013 Madrid

Tele: 915412805

Skype: hotelmeninas

reservas@hotelmeninas.com

www.hotelmeninas.com

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For the Fourth…

Nantucket Island Resorts – Nantucket, MA

Though most Nantucket properties may be sold out over Fourth of July weekend for 2010, keep the All-American island in mind for next year as Nantucket was recently voted one of the best places to watch fireworks in the United States by cheapflights.com. Stay at the White Elephant and watch the fireworks explode in the sky right on Nantucket Harbor while sipping on cocktails from the Brant Point Grill.  Or stay at the romantic Wauwinet and catch the spectacular displays from aboard the inn’s charter boat, The Wauwinet Lady. Either way, the gray shingled houses, cobblestone streets, and authentic shops and sites of Nantucket will remind you what the world looked like on July Fourth many years ago, when our founding fathers pressed pen to paper!

Park Hyatt Washington – Washington DC

Celebrate independence in the Nation’s capital with the American Holiday offer. Over the Fourth of July weekend, guests are invited to stay at a special holiday rate and receive a complimentary upgrade, breakfast for two, and a 50% credit toward valet parking. All guests will also receive a festive red, white, and blue welcome gift.

This package is available July 1-5 with rates starting at $249 per night.

Park Hyatt Aviara – Carlsbad, CA

Opening later this month, the Park Hyatt Aviara is just in time to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand Californian style.  Guests of the north San Diego resort can come for a long weekend of holiday relaxation, from golf, tennis, spa treatments, or a simple afternoon on the beach.   Children can also have a full itinerary of fun, with activities from pool games to roasting s’mores to exploring the natural sanctuary that is part of the resort’s 205 acres.  Lawn bowling, anyone?

The evening of July 4^th will kick off with a chic barbeque party in the Palm Courtyard and a live performance from The Heroes, a San Diego band playing favorite American tunes, from swing to Motown.   Once the sun sets, the private fireworks show will dazzle the guests, all of whom have a front row ‘seat’ – and no traffic jams at the end of the night.

Guests are welcome to book the Introductory Offer at the new Park Hyatt Aviara and stay three nights for the price of two over the holiday weekend.  Rates start at $395 per night.

Inn on the Alameda – Santa Fe, NM

Laud the Fourth, Southwestern-style, and sip wine at the Santa Fe Wine Festival held at the historic Rancho de la Golondrinas. Stay a few nights at the cozy Inn to discover what makes this the ‘city different,’ and catch the only not-sold-out performance of Madame Butterfly at the internationally renowned Santa Fe Opera House on July 7. Keep those eyes peeled for celebrities roaming around town filming the movie, “Cowboys & Aliens” – already spotted: Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.

For the fête…

La Réserve Paris – France

Fireworks explode above the Eiffel Tower in celebration of La Fête Nationale, and the streets and parks around it fill with revelers. Watch the whole spectacle from a luxurious apartment with views of the Tour Eiffel and all of the celebrations. If it looks like too much fun to resist, just run outside and join the party.

Apartments start at $1,860 per night

Pavillon de la Reine – Paris, France

Take advantage of a low summer rate at this boutique hotel. As the only hotel on the Place des Vosges, Pavillon de la Reine is in the heart of the Marais and near all of the great shopping and restaurants. It is also a quick walk from the spot where the formidable prison, La Bastille, once stood (while the storming of the Bastille demolished the stone structure, its outline is marked with special paving stones). Walk a few hundred feet over to the Parc Henri IV and see a few of the remaining stones.

The summer rate is available July 9 – August 25, starting at just $394/night for a superior room (compared to the usual $492) and includes a full breakfast and access to the Carita Spa, the gym, the Jacuzzi, and the steam bath, plus a parking space in the private lot.

For a combination…

Grand Hyatt Tokyo – Japan

For those with dual citizenship, Grand Hyatt Tokyo is having an American style BBQ, with a Provence twist! La Terrace Provence Barbeque at The French Kitchen’s revamped rooftop bar, La Terrace, will be grilling expat style barbeque snacks on an outdoor grill, accompanied by 90 minutes of free-flowing champagne and a selection of summer beverages.  The French Kitchen opens La Terrace on weekdays from 5:30 – 8:00pm.

Rates start at $549 per night. Best of both worlds, n’est-ce pas?

DEBUTING JULY 5, “HONG KONG: QUEST FOR THE DRAGON” WITH RICHARD BANGS

COAXES INNER SPIRIT OF ASIA’S WORLD CITY INTO THE NATIONAL LIMELIGHT

AS PART OF PBS’S POPULAR “ADVENTURES WITH PURPOSE” SERIES

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Rolls Out Integrated Marketing Campaign

with Consumer Packaging from United Vacations Linked to PBS Programming

LOS ANGELES, 16 June 2010 — As viewers learn from film host Richard Bangs – one of the pioneers of modern adventure travel and a storyteller par excellence – in the opening moments of his latest “Adventures with Purpose” documentary on PBS, Hong Kong is “a place that pushes the limits of the possible, and not so much predicts the future, as invents it.”

Embracing that insight, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched an inventive consumer program that will give sophisticated travelers the opportunity to embark on their own “Quest for the Dragon” adventure with United Vacations.

The packages, with affordable lead-in prices from $1469 for roundtrip trans­pacific air from San Francisco and five hotel nights, offer the flexibility and options globetrotters need to customize their itineraries to their tastes – with time and scope to satisfy their interests in Hong Kong, the quintessential crossroads destination that fuses east with west, tradition with modernity, reverence for the past with eyes on the future.

Asking questions at the outset of the show – “What makes Hong Kong the city of the century, the city of tomorrow?” – Bangs embarks on a personal “quest to discover what unique forces drive this city to virtuosity and greatness.”   And discover he does.

“Such questions have always motivated travelers to find and explore their own Hong Kong,” said Bill Flora, Director, USA, HKTB. “After enjoying ‘Hong Kong: Quest for the Dragon’ on their local PBS station, they’ll understand the many ways in which Hong Kong offers a culturally-enriching destination experience with adventures around every corner.   Part of the answer lies in Hong Kong’s surprising natural beauty, the physical splendor of the setting – but as Bangs discovered, it’s got even more to do with its authentic cultural traditions and joyous festivals on both sides of Victoria Harbour, on Hong Kong’s many islands and in the spontaneous pleasures of the parks and streets.”

These festive threads of cultural authenticity in Asia’s world city are woven together and spring to life in the inspired storytelling of Bangs and the Small World Productions team who filmed in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year in February 2010.   Consumers may view a highly interesting series of video webisodes from the one-hour documentary at http://www.discoverhongkong.com/usa/trip-planner/quest-for-the-dragon.html

While 2010 is the “Year of the Tiger,” in Hong Kong the dragon is everywhere, an enduring emblem that captures the inner spirit of the city’s past, present and future life. The dragon figures in such festive events and customs as the Dragon Boat Races, Chinese New Year celebrations, Bun Festival, tea ceremony, feng shui, tai chi and other unforced manifestations of Hong Kong’s heart and soul.  Representations of the dragon – and the evocation of power and good fortune it symbolizes – may be seen on modern skyscrapers’ edifices and at the entrance of lush green city parks.  Even Kowloon, on the Chinese mainland across from Hong Kong Island, literally means ‘nine dragons” and no other creature, real or mythic, carries such blessings and beneficence.

Create Your Own “Quest for the Dragon” Adventure with United Vacations

Whether riding the tram to Victoria Peak, shopping in Stanley Market, cruising in an authentic junk on Victoria Harbour, or partaking of the ancient Chinese tea ceremo­ny, the program appeals to first-time and repeat visitors alike – and just like Hong Kong residents themselves, taps straight into the core of the city’s vibrant cultural life.

The United Vacations packages – available August 2010 through March 2011 – include roundtrip transpacific airfare to Hong Kong on United Airlines from its San Francisco gateway, five nights in a choice of hotels plus daily breakfast (based on double occupancy), airport transfer, afternoon Kowloon “Culture & Life” tour, evening cocktail cruise for optimum viewing of Hong Kong’s acclaimed “Symphony of Lights” on Victoria Harbour, seafood dinner at Lei-Yue-Mun fishing village and optional cultural tours.

The Kowloon “Culture & Life” tour, for instance, takes in a landscape of bustling cultural tableaus including the famed Bird Market and Flower Market – plus a handful of less familiar but no less alluring experiences.   An optional half-day City tour invites travelers to meander among Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks.   A full day Lantau Island tour soars aloft on a “Ngong Ping 360” cable car ride and comes back to earth for a delicious vegetarian lunch.  With cultural enrichment at every turn, travelers are invited to shape their own quest as they savor Hong Kong’s contrasts and fusions – of east with west, tradition with modernity, and a reverence for the past with the promise of the future that Richard Bangs encountered on his Quest.  There are even optional tours for family travelers with kid-friendly quests at Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Three hotels make every “Quest for the Dragon” a comfortable one with choice of the Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees in the Tokwawan District of Kowloon, the Harbour Grand Kowloon on the waterfront in the breezy Whampoa Garden district, or The Langham, Hong Kong, in the heart of Kowloon’s popular Tsimshatsui district with its outstanding array of shopping and entertainment.

To preview “Hong Kong: Quest for the Dragon” webisodes click here: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/usa/trip-planner/quest-for-the-dragon.html.

For more information on United Vacations “Quest for the Dragon” packages, click here:

http://www.uv-asia.com/Promotion/pkg_100615.htm.

I was recently hosted at the beautiful newly opened 392-room Mandarin Resort in Las Vegas, located at the new CityCenter.

It’s the place where to me, dreams are made of. From the entry point to poolside, service delivered is stellar. This is the place where staff hear your name once, and from that first introduction, you’re called by name- a subtle difference between “just a hotel” and a first class resort.

Las Vegas just got better!

Rooms are modern, with city and pool views. Bathrooms offer contemporary soaking tubs for two. I will say, I’m a techy but had a little bit of trouble with the one touch lighting system- however, if “you get it” like my husband did, you won’t be meaning to turn off the lights instead of pressing the switch to open the floor to ceiling window coverings that are a one touch command.

Tiny nuances that make this place luxury, safes in the rooms actually have a plug for charging your electronics, 20 pool cabanas offer large flat panel televisions, surround sound, bathrobes, slippers and snacks, complete with mini-fridge for entertaining friends.

The  27,000 square foot, two-level Spa facility with 17 treatment rooms including seven private couple’s suites includes a fitness center and hair salon. (I had Celine Dion’s hair stylist give me a blow dry. It’s base camp for her when Celine is not performing).

MOzen Bistro offers up an eclectic mix of Asian fare and sushi, and a not to be missed high-tea at the Tea Lounge with views. Don’t miss dining at Twist,  the extraordinary cuisine of three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Basically- you never have to leave the resort of sheer bliss! You won’t feel like you’re in Las Vegas, complete with no casinos in sight (thankfully).

Wanting a getaway of pure luxury in “Sin City”? The Mandarin Oriental will be exactly what you are looking for!

752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

+1 (702) 590-8888

I’m back in Zurich this week. I LOVE this pristine city in Switzerland. When I got the call to experience Swiss Air’s new Airbus A 340 plane and San Francisco to Zurich route, I jumped at the chance to come back to one of my world favorites and a couple day stay at Baur Au Lac!

Baur Au Lac is nothing short of spectacular. I’ve written about the hotel in the past, even included it for my Valentine’s round-up piece last February, but if I had thought it couldn’t get better, well, it did!

Opened last month is their new Terrasse Lounge and bar, which is so uber-chic, complete with Ferrari and Bentley owners allowed to park strategically in front of its entrance, sets the scene for some of Zurich’s most elite people watching.

I sat down with our intrepid group of journalists at six o’clock, sipped sparkling wine and took it all in oh-so-happily, because… this is when Zurich’s newest hot spot at its best.

When:

Daily from 10:00 am- midnight (summer only)

Where:

Baur Au Lac

Tearrasse Lounge and Bar

Talstrasse1

Ch-8001 Zurich

+41 (0)444 220 5020

http://www.bauraulac.com

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

This information is current as of today, Thu May 13 2010 11:31:54 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time).

Thailand

April 28, 2010

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, all U.S. citizens should avoid nonessential travel to Thailand. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 22, 2010, to update information on security concerns and to recommend against nonessential travel to Thailand at this time.  This Travel Alert will expire on July 28, 2010.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok.  The UDD may change or expand its demonstration locations at any time.  Various other groups are engaging in pro-government or counter-demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  There have been several minor clashes between the UDD and other demonstrators.  These clashes may escalate with no warning.  For areas currently affected by demonstrations, please refer to local media.

Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely.  As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok, and traffic patterns may change unexpectedly as demonstrators block roads.  Other forms of transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain, may close unexpectedly in response to threats or incidents, such as occurred on April 27, when protesters jumped onto the tracks and tried to block the tracks with tires.

There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months.  Additional explosive devices have been discovered before detonation.  Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas frequented by U.S. citizens.  These incidents appear to be motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international terrorism.   The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times.  Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.

Supporters of a pro-Government movement known as “mixed shirts,” “no color,” or “multi-color” have begun nightly demonstrations in the Nimmanhemin area of Chiang Mai city, near Chiang Mai University, an area frequented by U.S. citizens.  Media report that these supporters intend to repeat these nightly demonstrations indefinitely.  Supporters of the UDD may confront these demonstrations.  In the past, similar confrontations have turned violent.

On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in a number of fatalities.  On April 27, UDD protesters clashed with police near the Thai Air Force headquarters at Don Muang.   The UDD stopped and entered vehicles looking for military and police personnel. Media report that UDD leaders plan to block the movement of security forces from the provinces to Bangkok.

UDD supporters have threatened demonstrations in the provinces if its current demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, as occurred April 9, 10, and 24.    Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning demonstrations and areas to avoid.

On the evening of April 22, 2010, several explosions occurred in the Silonm/Sala Daeng area at the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station causing a number of injuries, including at least one fatality.  The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area.

The Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is still operating under a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, that grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army.  It is unclear what additional steps the Royal Thai Government may take under the State of Emergency.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning.  U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or through the State Department’s travel registration website. For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.  U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov.  The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

Frontier Airlines says bring’m on board! Small pets travel for $75

~~~

DENVER — Frontier Airlines says it will let customers carry small pets on board, but it will cost more than some of the fares that Frontier charges its two-legged passengers.

The airline said Wednesday it would let passengers bring along their small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small birds for $75 each way.

That matches the price charged by another low-fare carrier, Southwest Airlines, which began allowing customers to bring small pets on board last year.

According to its Web site, Frontier charges less for some tickets for people, including travel between Denver and Albuquerque, N.M., or between Milwaukee and Indianapolis or Kansas City.

The pets must fit in a carrier that goes under an airplane seat and must have proper health documentation. Spokeswoman Lindsey Purves said customers should have their vet complete a health form for the animal within 10 days of the trip.

The airline lets bigger pets fly as checked baggage for a $150 fee.

Purves said the airline removed pets other than service animals from cabins in June 2008, requiring that they fly as cargo.

Frontier is a unit of Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Republic’s shares rose 4 cents to $6.19 in afternoon trading.

Source: AP

~~~

CHICAGO — Plane tickets, check. Passport, check. Medical evacuation insurance? It’s probably not something most people think about when packing for a vacation.

But Louise Robbins says she’d probably be bankrupt without it. The University of Wisconsin library educator and her husband, Robby, were in southwest China last summer when Robby slipped and fell backward on a hotel walkway made of the region’s famed red marble.

Their regular health insurance covered many expenses, but not flying him home on a jet specially equipped for transporting critically ill patients and medical equipment. The cost exceeded $100,000.

“We would have been lost” if not for the medical evacuation insurance, Louise Robbins said.

With summer vacation season approaching, experts say there are several ways international travelers can protect themselves against medical emergencies — from registering in advance with the State Department, which can help locate doctors abroad and arrange emergency medical flights, to buying supplemental insurance or stand-alone medical evacuation policies.

Thousands of American travelers each year are flown home with medical assistance because of health emergencies. Car accidents and heart attacks are among the most common reasons.

“Americans have the concept that when they travel, their health insurance travels with them,” said Dan McGinnity, vice president for North America for Travel Guard, which sells travel insurance.

But most regular health insurance plans don’t cover costly evacuations. And finding that out after an emergency can be catastrophic.

A 21-year-old California woman died last year after her insurance company initially said its emergency coverage wouldn’t pay to fly her home from China when she developed a blood disorder, according to her family’s lawsuit. The suit, claiming wrongful death and breach of contract, says the company relented too late. Anthem Blue Cross, the insurer, disputes the claims.

Travelers should check their policies to see what kind of expenses are covered, said Susan Pisano of America’s Health Insurance Plans, a trade association. Most will pay for emergency care outside the United States — but for leisure travelers that often doesn’t include medical evacuation.

“Just make sure you know very clearly” what your policy says, she advised.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends considering supplemental health insurance, including medical evacuation, if your existing policy is lacking.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, another trade group, Americans increasingly have been buying travel insurance; more than $1 billion was spent in 2008. Most covered things like unexpected trip cancellations — disruptions caused by the erupting Iceland volcano have prompted a flurry of recent business. But growth also has been strong in policies covering medical emergencies and evacuation, the group says.

Short-term policies typically cost about 4 percent to 8 percent of the total per-person trip price. At Stevens Point, Wis.-based Travel Guard, coverage for a $2,000 trip would be about $120.

The travel insurance trade group has a list of member companies on its website, where it also offers tips. The State Department’s website also has a link to medical evacuation companies.

Louise and Robby Robbins, longtime travelers, had paid about $250 for a supplemental insurance policy before their China trip.

Robby, a 79-year-old retired college professor, slipped on the rain-slicked marble tile in China on July 21. His head hit the ground, but he got up and seemed OK, so they boarded a tour bus heading into the mountains. Robby quickly became ill, vomiting and complaining of sinus-like pain. No one knew yet that his brain was bleeding.

The nightmare that followed included a trip down the mountain in a makeshift van-ambulance to a hospital where no one spoke English. Doctors drilled holes into Robby’s skull and removed a huge blood clot. He was flown by air ambulance to Hong Kong for more surgery; then back to the United States.

The supplemental insurance ended up covering Robby’s multi-leg trip home, including arranging for several flights with medical experts on board. Robby never recovered, however, and died Dec. 9.

Lynda Bruner’s medical emergency last summer almost ended the same way. The sales executive from Bel Air, Md., fell ill with what she thought was heat exhaustion on the last day of a Dominican Republic vacation with friends to celebrate milestone birthdays, including her 60th.

Soon she developed breathing problems and went into cardiac arrest. Doctors revived her, but she remained in a coma for three days. Bruner awoke at a hospital in Florida, where she had arrived via a medical flight arranged by Medex, the same company that handled Robby Robbins’ flights. The company arranged for Bruner’s flight with a nurse to Maryland and helped her husband, who doesn’t speak Spanish, deal with Dominican doctors.

The expenses totaled more than $15,000, but were covered by health insurance her employer provides — a benefit she didn’t know about in advance. Bruner had also bought extra travelers’ insurance.

U.S. doctors found and removed a tongue cyst they thought might have contributed to the breathing problems, and Bruner is doing fine.

“Once they saw my experience, everybody says they will not go out of the U.S. again without” traveler’s health insurance, Bruner said. Even if you never need it, she said, “just that sense of security” is worth it.

• U.S. Travel Insurance Association: http://www.ustia.org
• State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html
• CDC: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/plan-ahead.aspx

Source: AP/LINDSEY TANNER

Weather either makes or breaks a holiday. If you’re looking for sun, you want to make sure your days are sun-filled. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, you will be hoping for the best ski conditions out there.

I have various means of checking historical data, and what the weather “could” be like duting a seasonal trip- could being the operative word.

We all know we can only predict weather on some of the shoulder periods (off-season) only as good as the historical data we’re provided. Even the weather experts get it wrong sometimes.

I came across this site, some of you may all ready use. It’s called Weather2travel.com and it’s pretty comprehensive.

Once you are on the site, you will be abl e to choose a location on the world map.

Choose from a list of countries. The information then breaks it down city by city in the country you have chosen. Choose the city name your considering, and up comes a chart not only about weather highs and lows, but also water temperature, winds, hours of sunshine, and percepitation.

You can also choose current weather conditions, and up to five days forecast.

So, before you start planning your much deserved holiday, Weather2go.com will be a great planning tool to keep on hand.

Here’s the link: Weather2go.com